Turn a hose on him.
Stinky boys
by mrsjones5 29 Replies latest jw friends
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MsMcDucket
Treat him like your son. Say boys it's time to take your showers. The tell Gilbert I have left some clean underwear and deodorant out for you, too. I expect my children to take baths every night or if they have an odor; so don't be offended if I yell out for you to go take a shower. If you don't have any clean clothes, put on a some of my son's sweats while I put yours in the washer.
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Scully
Aude Sapere:
OMG!! He just doesn't want to risk a repeat of that lessson!!
It seems extreme, but I suppose if he wasn't getting the not-so-subtle hints, the direct approach may have been all that you are left with. Did he ever mention that 'scene' to you again? Must have been pretty embarrassing for him at the time.
Actually, he's discovered that girls prefer it when he smells nice and wears clean fresh clothes every day. I promised him that would happen, and now he knows I wasn't kidding.
He's never mentioned that incident again (and would be mortified if he knew that I posted about it LOL) but the incident also came with a warning that if he ever reeked like that again, that I would have to give him another hygiene lesson. Based on results, he took me seriously! I know it was resorting to desperate measures, but I wasn't getting through any other way. It was time to get rid of the funky-boy stank once and for all.
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KW13
Scully as embarassing as your lesson might of been, i would prefer something that direct than what my mum did for me in terms of me growing up, which is nothing. Actions speak louder than words, showing you care doesn't always hit home with people at first but later they will have that to look back on.
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MinisterAmos
My daughter reeked until I figured out it was her shoes. Can of foot odor powder later and we were back in business. Just physiology.
Take the boy out to the mall, buy him a cool T-Shirt jeans and undies then have him change out and shower when he gets to your house, wash his clothes so there is always a fresh set at your place.
His parents won't care if they are the type that lets him walk around stinking anyway, but the kid will appreciate it later.
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juni
You got real good advice Josie. I BET his family is just as stinky. Otherwise they'd get him into the bath/shower. It'll be good for him to learn about hygiene now; he'll thank you later.
Juni
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Wasanelder Once
When I was a lad I had the same problem. My family didn't stink and were rather clean. I was playing pee wee football and I was shy about using the showers. I was maybe 12 or so. One day the coach took me aside during practice in sight of others, (wise man) and said, Wasa, son you really need to take care of yourself. You really need to be cleaner. If you don't want to shower here, you need to do it at home. You'll feel better about yourself and you'll find that people will be friendlier to you." To this day I feel indebted to Coach Soto. It took guts and it really helped at a tough time.
Of course I was embarrassed, but it did the trick. Little did he know that I was dealing with a phobia about water. I had a fear of sharks. Its crazy to look back on now, but I wouldn't go in the pool, bathtub and at its worst, the shower for fear it would get plugged... fill up and a shark get me! Phobia's are so unreasonable and yet real. To this day I have a fear of sharks and of being alone even in a pool. Crazy but true.
It didn't help that my ogre brother would yell shark when we went swimming!
If all else fails be direct and kind.
W.Once
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mrsjones5
You guys are so great and wise.
I mostly feel sorry and embarassed for the kid. I really think he's being neglected by his parents and family. He's the middle child of 5 boys (smack dab in the middle - 2 older and 2 younger). And from what I can tell there are at least 3 fathers of those 5 boys and right now all of them live with the father of the last 2 boys (they are 5 and 3). The parents work nights (maybe 2nd and 3rd shift) and the younger boys tend to get left with the older boys a lot (I think they are around 15 and 16) who don't really do a good job of watching the smaller ones - I've seen them running around the neighborhood alone - not good. From what my son has told me Gilbert really doesn't get along with his older brothers and I have seen him running around the neighborhood at odd hours too.
I don't mind Gilbert coming over to play with my son but I don't let my son go over to his house.
I've seen other stuff but I think you get the picture.
Josie
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Wasanelder Once
You are wise to keep tabs on your son. There will certainly be other dysfunctions going on in that household. Forget religion and who's got the best morals. Your instincts are good. Keep tabs on what they're up to. That sort of tribe is apt to be into drugs and pornography to a bad degree. Maybe there is some sexual experimentation happening? Call me paranoid but I wouldn't let them out of my sight. You sound as if you have it under control. Through the years I've seen this sort of household implode. Don't let it take your son with it. The "Cool" kids are the ones who get away with murder. We learn later that it wasn't so great after all.
Continue to be wise. Sounds like you're on the right track.
W.Once
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Sunspot
Well I got all the way down to the almost-last poster.....to see the solution I would have offered right off the bat.....talking to the Coach! If you were to call the Coach at school and explain the problem and that you don't wish to hurt the kid OR make his parents angry.....that maybe HE could have a talk with Gilbert on a man-to-man level.
The Coach is most likely familiar with this problem and has years of experience in handling situations like this.....and it absolves you of having to take things into your own hands, so to speak. The gift basket idea is fine....but the Coach could be the one to solve the dilemma......
My 2 cents worth.....
hugs,
Annie